by By Gary Strauss, USA TODAY @garybstrauss

by By Gary Strauss, USA TODAY @garybstrauss

President Obama and Texas Gov. Rick Perry headlined an emotional Thursday afternoon memorial tribute to the 12 first responders killed in last week's Texas fertilizer plant explosion in the town of West.

Before a packed crowded at Baylor University in nearby Waco, Obama consoled a devastated community and praised the volunteer firefighters who died at the West Fertilizer plant. Three others were also killed and hundreds injured in April 17 incident, which is still under investigation.

"No words adequately describe the courage that was displayed on that deadly night,'' Obama said.

Nearby rested a dozen flag-drapped coffins. Earlier, videos showed images of the men from their childhood, weddings and other moments of their lives.

Obama also reached out to the devastated West community, where dozens of homes were destroyed. Losses are estimated at over $100 million.

"We stand with you and we do not forget, and we'll be there after the cameras leave, after the attention turns elsewhere,'' he said. "Your country will be there to help you and reclaim your community."

More than 9,300 attended the memorial service, including 4,000 first responders from around the country, with many arriving in a procession of 300 firetrucks.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry said each of the firefighters were volunteers; "ordinary individuals blessed with extraordinary courage and a determination to do what they could to save lives."

"They're the ones who proudly said 'not on my watch' in the moments immediately following that explosion," Perry said.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has established a fund for donations for survivors and co-workers of the fire and emergency medical service personnel killed last week. Donations can be made at www.regonline.com/westtx.